When you get the news that you or someone you know is expecting a baby, your first thought is to get the best quality items for all their needs. Baby blankets are one of those essential items, helping you to keep the baby cosy and warm even when the weather isn’t great. However, choosing the best baby blanket can be a challenge, with so many options to pick from. Look at our blanket buying advice so that you can be sure that your purchase will benefit the new baby in your life.
What Types of Blankets Are There?
Babies need to be kept at the right temperature, meaning that they will have a lot of different blankets to cover all their needs. Some of the most common types of blankets to choose from include:
- Receiving blankets – to put over the car seat and tuck the baby in when leaving the hospital.
- Swaddling blankets – to provide a womb-like feeling by wrapping them up and providing a compact space.
- Security blankets – when a baby likes to nestle into a soft blanket, a security blanket is a small square that can be used to give them the sensory feedback they need without causing harm.
- Crib blankets – when it comes to sleep, tucking a baby in with a soft blanket will keep them warm and provide the safe feeling that they need to thrive.
- Standard blankets – in addition to the specific blanket needs, babies also need general blankets that can be used in a range of situations, including playing, sleeping, traveling, and more.
What Material Should I Choose?
Once you have decided on the type of blanket that you want to buy, you will need to think about the different materials that are available. The most popular options include wool, cotton, bamboo, and fleece.
Wool – Our Top Pick
Many people think that wool blankets are too scratchy and coarse for the soft skin of a baby. However, as you can see at AtkinsonBlankets, there are plenty of options, including ultra-soft merino wool that will help regulate body temperature. Wool is also antibacterial, breathable, and hypoallergenic – giving the best care to your precious new addition.
Cotton – Worth Considering
Cotton is a breathable material that is great for any climate and provides a baby with comfort and softness as they sleep or play. However, if you decide to choose a cotton blanket, it is important to opt for an organic option such as this example from Mori so that you can be sure that no harmful dyes or bleaches have been used during production.
Bamboo – A Climate Sensitive Choice
Like wool, bamboo is a great choice when you have a focus on climate change and want to get something that can be used again and again without becoming damaged. Bamboo keeps babies at the perfect temperature and feels great against their skin.
Fleece – Good in Colder Temperatures
Fleece is becoming less popular as it can be a difficult fabric to use when you are trying to regulate a baby’s temperature. However, the softness and density do make it a great choice when you are located in a colder climate.
Why Blankets Are a Precious Purchase
There’s no doubt that a baby blanket is a great choice when it comes to keeping a new baby warm and snug, but there are other benefits that you can look forward to as well. Firstly, keeping a baby warm and giving them a sense of safety will help them to sleep better – meaning that new parents will enjoy a better night’s sleep and you will be thanked for years to come!
The other benefit that you can enjoy is knowing that your blanket will be kept as a treasured item as they grow. Blankets made from wool are particularly durable, and many babies will go on to use them as toddlers, older children, and beyond. In fact, the better the quality you invest in now, the longer it will last for them, and the more memories they will associate with it.
Buying a baby blanket is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give a new baby, so take your time and research all your options before choosing the one you love. You are sure to enjoy many cuddles with them all wrapped up in it!